Congressman Ted Poe announces leukemia diagnosis

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Congressman Ted Poe has announced he has been diagnosed with leukemia.

The representative for the 2nd Congressional District says he will focus on his health during the recess on Capitol Hill, and will undergo treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

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Poe says his staff will be available to assist with federal casework in the meantime.

"I am fortunate enough to be treated by the finest physicians in the world," Poe says, in a statement. "It is my intention to beat cancer and have a full recovery and continue to represent the people of Texas."

House Speaker Paul Ryan tweeted his support for the Texas representative Wednesday, saying "You can beat this."

Other members of Congress followed in quick succession, offering their thoughts and prayers as Poe seeks treatment.

The seven-term Republican lawmaker was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2004.

Before his Congressional career, Poe served as a chief felony prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney's Office and spent 23 years on the bench as a felony court judge in Harris County.

Poe is chair of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, and sits as a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary committees.

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